Bayern Munich Reportedly Set Thiago Asking Price Amid Barcelona Rumours

Bayern Munich would reportedly sell midfielder Thiago Alcantara for €70 million (£61 million) amid speculation Barcelona want to bring him back to the club.

According to Jordi Gil of Sport, the feeling Thiago could go back to the Camp Nou is "gaining more traction every day" and the German champions would be ready to sell for the right price or for a deal that involves a player heading to the Allianz Arena.

"At the moment, Bayern say they would consider €70 million, but they're aware that this price is likely to put off most interested teams," Gil said. "As such, Bayern are willing to lower that price if a footballer going the other way was included in the deal. That player would be Lucas Digne."

It's suggested Digne would be an ideal signing for Munich because Juan Bernat, the current left-back back-up to David Alaba, is poised to move on this summer.

The Barca Centre Twitter account relayed how the story was reported in the Catalan newspaper on Thursday:

Gil noted that with Andres Iniesta leaving the club, Barcelona will look to strengthen the midfield positions this summer. Thiago is said to be viewed as an ideal option in terms of his style of football and his personality.

While the Spain international has become a crucial player for Bayern down the years, the Bavarians are seeking to "remodel" their squad and are consequently open to a sale, according to Gil.

Per Sport Witness, other sources have previously suggested a number of important figures may be on their way out of the Allianz Arena this summer:

Thiago's departure to Bayern in 2013 is one of the most curious pieces of business the Blaugrana have carried out in recent seasons.

At the time, the playmaker was a little green, and he had the likes of Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas to compete with for a spot in the team. However, his talent was evident whenever he took to the field, as he was well schooled in Barcelona's ethos.

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Thiago controls matches with his wonderful technical ability and game management.

Given his connections with the club, the Barca Times Twitter account believes bringing the midfielder back would be a smart move from the La Liga champions:

Although he has suffered fitness issues in recent seasons, letting a player of Thiago's calibre leave for what would be a bargain fee in this market would be a gamble. While Leon Goretzka will arrive in Munich this summer, he's not someone who can control matches like Thiago.

Barcelona, meanwhile, may consider signing a replacement for Iniesta, although Philippe Coutinho arrived for a club-record fee in the January transfer window. Even with the Brazil international through the door, if they can get Thiago, they may just push on with it.